Ducks ailing going into first-place battle with Sharks

Update: The Ducks (45-17-7) are hurting going into their biggest game of the year, a battle with the San Jose Sharks for first place in the Pacific Division. Defenseman Cam Fowler will be sidelined for between three and five weeks after suffering a torn ligament in his left knee during Friday’s victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Fowler was the Ducks’ fourth-leading scorer with 36 points (six goals, 30 assists) in 67 games before his injury. Anaheim could also be without forward Nick Bonino when they face the Sharks. Bonino suffered a leg injury while blocking a shot late in the Ducks’ loss Tuesday to the Washington Capitals. It’s possible the Ducks could recall a player from their American Hockey League affiliate in Norfolk, Va., to replace Bonino. The Ducks are mired in a 2-for-48 slump on the power play over the last 14 games, and went 0 for 6 against the Capitals. It’s a source of anger and frustration for a team that has aspirations of a long playoff run, starting next month. The Ducks had 45 shots on goal against the Capitals. The Sharks are 45-18-7 after recording 52 shots during a 3-2 loss Tuesday to the Florida Panthers.